The Curtiss Zeus is the first all electric motorcycle from Curtiss Motorcycles, the American marque reborn from Confederate Motorcycles, and it keeps the brand's muscular V-twin character while dropping the emissions entirely. Unveiled as a prototype at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering in California, the Zeus pairs a 14.4 kWh lithium ion battery with two high output electric motors for roughly 170 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, all delivered with the instant punch only electric power can give.
From Confederate to Curtiss
Confederate Motorcycles, long known for high end V-twin builds, stepped away from combustion to enter a new era of electric power, taking the name Curtiss Motorcycles in the process. The Zeus is the result: the company's first all electric machine, one that keeps every Confederate trait and none of the pollution. It marks the start of a new chapter rather than a clean break with the past.
What makes the Curtiss Zeus different?
The Zeus was revealed at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering and at the time remained a work in progress, still in the prototyping phase. The head of design at Curtiss called it the first of a coming line of hot rod gods from the company. Freed from the constraints of an internal combustion engine, Curtiss argued that electric bikes can adopt a very different shape thanks to their different structural pieces. The Zeus still carries the bulk and muscle of its predecessors, yet it looks unlike any other electric bike on the market.
Curtiss Zeus specs
Built around the rider, the Zeus is arranged for the best possible riding experience. There is no fake tank, the components are beautifully scattered for perfect weight distribution, and small details like the lights and signals are integrated into other parts. The one clear specification is the 14.4 kWh lithium ion battery in a T-Block formation, feeding two high output electric motors. Total output sits around 170 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, remarkable figures given the instant torque delivery of electric motors. The Zeus was set to enter production in 2020. Specialist coverage from Silodrome and The Drive followed its development closely.
Explore electric motorcycles at TheArsenale
If the Curtiss Zeus sparks your interest in clean two wheeled power, browse the curated motorcycles collection at TheArsenale. Electric standouts include the Arc Vector Angel Edition electric motorcycle, the handcrafted Essence E-Raw Signature and the all wheel drive 2x2 Ultra Bike, each proving that electric design can be every bit as dramatic as the Zeus.
